Sunday - Christmas Eve - Where did you ride and what did you practice?

[Terminated]

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you all.

This thread will cover rides for Saturday, Sunday - Christmas Eve, Monday -Christmas Day, and Tuesday - Boxing Day

Last week Mrs Kendog and gijoe1313 made their selection and chose Donor and Chisanga for their dedication to riding practice.

Donor and Chisanga are invited to each select a post from this thread on Tuesday evening that brings our attention to the things we focus on when we go for a 'Sunday' ride.

[By the way on Sunday, BuckBuckNo1 and a few riders will be in town and riding around Wellington harbour and the bays 10.45am to 1pm.]
Heads Up and Enjoy

[Lucy]

This morning I rode from home to work (about 55 k). Before leaving I practiced checking the oil and brake fluid levels, then I checked my brakes worked before getting on the road. I forgot to check the light was working until after about 3 k, so I waved my hand in front of it then.

Whilst riding I practised keeping my feet on the pegs until I came to a complete stop, (got lots of practice doing that as I got every red light imaginable).

When I rode past the Caltex at Otara I practiced looking cool and impressive just in case the gathering Harleys were looking at me.

On the motorway I practiced 'hugging' the tank with my knees to keep more aerodynamic, while I was at it I practiced pelvic floor exercises, but I guess that's not really about motorcycling...

I also practiced singing Christmas carols inside my helmet.

This afternoon I shall practice avoiding last minute shoppers.

Merry Christmas
Lucy

[Blueskies]

I am still practicing getting out of bed at 5.15am and riding early although now it is mainly to avoid the crazy holiday traffic.
This morning was a beautiful morning so I practiced just enjoying the ride.

Also practiced enjoying the ability I now have to do a great turn into my driveway. Much of that ability came when I stopped thinking ( read worrying) ahead of time about the turn - and just did it when the time arrived.
Tomorrow I shall again practice hill starts and stopping on a sharply cambered piece of roadway . . . . but today waas pure cruisy en-joy-ment.
Have to keep a balance, right ?

[klingon]

On the motorway I practiced 'hugging' the tank with my knees to keep more aerodynamic, while I was at it I practiced pelvic floor exercises, but I guess that's not really about motorcycling...

LOL actually I think that is about motorcycling. We girlie-chick-sheila-birds have one advantage over the boys - our hips! I've been practising tilting my pelvis just slightly and find it makes a huge difference to my riding. A bit of a tilt forward or back shifts my weight, changes the angle of my lean, relieves pressure on my spine, etc. Worth experimenting with.

I'm also practising turning with just a slight lateral hip-tilt. I find I can only do it well when I'm relaxed, so it's a good reminder. Turning by leaning my upper body (like the boys do) takes a lot more effort.


I also practiced singing Christmas carols inside my helmet.

Merry Xams to you too, Lucy!


Also practiced enjoying the ability I now have to do a great turn into my driveway. Much of that ability came when I stopped thinking ( read worrying) ahead of time about the turn - and just did it when the time arrived.

I'm finding the same thing. Occasionally I hear Buckbuck talking to me inside my helmet... he always says the same thing... "Head up and enjoy!" [Buckbuck, were you really talking inside my helmet or am I going crazy? :blink: ] As soon as I look up and just enjoy the ride, I find things come much more naturally.

Today I also practised riding to the supermarket with my backpack on, parking right outside the front door, and lane-splitting down the aisles with my trolley. Fastest shop I've ever done :D

[ajturbo]

what am i going to do?.. well today/this evning, i am heading off to welly, just got a call from my bro, there is free piss at his place... so i'm there!

[Terminated]

Occasionally I hear Buckbuck talking to me inside my helmet... he always says the same thing... "Head up and enjoy!" [Buckbuck, were you really talking inside my helmet or am I going crazy? :blink: ] As soon as I look up and just enjoy the ride, I find things come much more naturally.



No you're not, going crazy, and yes I was talking inside your helmet....glad you enjoyed the ride.

Merry Christmas

Keep that Head Up and Enjoy:scooter:
Buck

[Terminated]

I will talk about this further in my Newbie Update - but for the moment I pose the question:

When you go on group ride things can get a little 'busy' - What can happen to your 'normal riding discipline'?

Recall I have discussed Dee-FAP Discipline - Focus, Attention, Personal, for me there was a wakeup call and it centred around Attention. Also in all the excitement we can forget a basic safety check.....

As reported in the Events thread the ride around Wellington and the Bays was just great, good weather, good company, and very enjoyable riding conditions in the group.

[White trash]

Chucked rear footpegs on the Pittie, went and wheelied it up and down Mr mes driveway. I was a bit pissed thugh so didn't really practice anything new.

Mr me practiced wheelies in his jandels. That was a bit of humour.

[Chisanga]

Didn't have a chance to go riding yesterday due to family commitments and a rather large hangover :(
Today I had a nice lengthy ride where I practised being more aware of my surroundings whilst on the road and being vigilant of other drivers and the crazy things that they may try to do.

Stalled a few times at intersections, perhaps due to over-confidence... something to definately work on. Need to work on my emergency braking still not getting it right but on the bright side my gear changes are alot smoother and I didn't change down once when I meant to change up :)

Pulled in to garage with 289km's on the new VTR. Might try to go for a longer ride tommorrow depending on weather... just want to stay away from busy roads and impatient cage drivers :)

Safe riding everyone

[White trash]

And then today, I practiced some nice stand ups on the pit bike. Mr me started to get the hang of 'em too.

Later on, after we'd finished the Champaign, I jumped the kids quad over a nice ramp. Managed to leap over Mr me when he was stupid enough to lie on the other side of the ramp. Did a couple standing on the seat and one high-chair jump.

Then I'd had far too many drinks and worms and had to come home for dinner.

Edit: If I wasn't QUITE so pissed, I'd post a vid

[Keystone19]

I rode a 2003 CBR954 up Monument Rd then took a K4GSXR1000 up the same route to compare them. The CBR was fun, the Gixxer was exciting.

I rode the CBR within the legal limit.

I rode the Gixxer as hard and as fast as I felt safe.

I probably won't buy either of them.

Bloody good fun though.

[ajturbo]

And then today, I practiced some nice stand ups on the pit bike. Mr me started to get the hang of 'em too.

Later on, after we'd finished the Champaign, I jumped the kids quad over a nice ramp. Managed to leap over Mr me when he was stupid enough to lie on the other side of the ramp. Did a couple standing on the seat and one high-chair jump.

Then I'd had far too many drinks and worms and had to come home for dinner.

Edit: If I wasn't QUITE so pissed, I'd post a vid
now.. about the worm eating...... are you taking the piss???
OR are you getting into pratice for when dangerous and i turn up???????

[White trash]

now.. about the worm eating...... are you taking the piss???
OR are you getting into pratice for when dangerous and i turn up???????
You girls have no idea.............

[klingon]

Yesterday (Xmas Day) I went on my longest ever ride as Rider In Charge. I was acompanied by a very patient SV100S ridden by Dave C. I believe he didn't get out of second gear for the entire ride.

I didn't tell Dave C where we were going, but I had the route meticulously planned. We rode from Mt Albert to Mission Bay via the fun twisties in the Domain. When we got to Mission Bay I unpacked the coffee and the cake for afternoon tea, then we took a different route home.

Just as well I took coffee and cake - this was an epic journey and we could easily have starved to death if we hadn't taken supplies.

I practised all kinds of stuff - hill starts, smooth gear changes, lines into corners, paying attention to the road surface without actually fixating on the pot holes and debris (!) and just relaxing as I rode along.

I would like to thank two other road users:
1) The person who honked at me when I stalled at the lights. Honking really helps my concentration and gets us all home faster.
2) The van that pulled into my lane without looking. It gave me an opportunity to practise my hippy-hippy-swerve avoidance technique.

[Donor]

This morning I rode from home to work (about 55 k). Before leaving I practiced checking the oil and brake fluid levels, then I checked my brakes worked before getting on the road. I forgot to check the light was working until after about 3 k, so I waved my hand in front of it then.

Whilst riding I practised keeping my feet on the pegs until I came to a complete stop, (got lots of practice doing that as I got every red light imaginable).

When I rode past the Caltex at Otara I practiced looking cool and impressive just in case the gathering Harleys were looking at me.

On the motorway I practiced 'hugging' the tank with my knees to keep more aerodynamic, while I was at it I practiced pelvic floor exercises, but I guess that's not really about motorcycling...

I also practiced singing Christmas carols inside my helmet.

This afternoon I shall practice avoiding last minute shoppers.

Merry Christmas
Lucy

I have selected Lucy's post to be added to the Newbies compilation this week.

We are all students in this game, and often we remind each other about the obvious things, like cornering and braking, life saver checks and finding the nearest pub, but how many of us remember to start EVERY day with the basics, like fluid levels, tread depths, looking as cool as possible on a ginny?

Good on you Lucy, keep paying attention to the basic and small things, and the big things fall into place with less stress!

(And with your sexy vest, you don't need to TRY and look cool for the Harley boys in Otara, they look to you as a fashion GURU!

[boomer]

no where unfortunately;

however last night at 10:30 i decided to strip the bike of all its fairings and other bits and bobs ( exhaust, foot rests front & back ). it now looks like a street fighter on speed.

why? no idea. seemed liek a good idea at the time. Now i didn't find teh car keys i thought teh young fella had thrown down the exhaust.. but i have cleaned the whole bike.. top to bottom, and waxed ( 3 stage ) every fairing and buffed all the chrome/metal, and armouraled all the black shit'

shes spottless, my hands aren't and she's still in a thousand pieces ready to be put back... nowi'm taking bets on the number of screws/bolts i'll have left over tomorrow :shit:

happy riding everyone, i won't be playing out for a while :bye: not till the bikes in 1 peice any hows

[Chisanga]

Yesterday (Xmas Day) I went on my longest ever ride as Rider In Charge. I was acompanied by a very patient SV100S ridden by Dave C. I believe he didn't get out of second gear for the entire ride.

I didn't tell Dave C where we were going, but I had the route meticulously planned. We rode from Mt Albert to Mission Bay via the fun twisties in the Domain. When we got to Mission Bay I unpacked the coffee and the cake for afternoon tea, then we took a different route home.

Just as well I took coffee and cake - this was an epic journey and we could easily have starved to death if we hadn't taken supplies.

I practised all kinds of stuff - hill starts, smooth gear changes, lines into corners, paying attention to the road surface without actually fixating on the pot holes and debris (!) and just relaxing as I rode along.

I would like to thank two other road users:
1) The person who honked at me when I stalled at the lights. Honking really helps my concentration and gets us all home faster.
2) The van that pulled into my lane without looking. It gave me an opportunity to practise my hippy-hippy-swerve avoidance technique.


My choice is Klingon's post. It shows how adventurous riding is to the new driver - I know how she feels.

I also have had similar experiences with the road users mentioned above - I guess the key is to stay focussed AND relaxed at the same time - sounds like a contradiction but that is what I am trying to do with my newbie riding thus far :)

[Lteejay]

My first ride on the road, so today I was practicing nearly every thing I was doing. Just a short ride around the block, nearly dropped the bike on one corner. But remember a post a while back that said it is best to stop at a corner with your front wheel facing forwards for better balance & to put both feet down and not just one. Went round block again,this time wheel straight ahead and both feet came down and no wobbles. :done:
By the 4th block my hands my hands were working much more smoothly on the clutch, brake and accellerator and I was enjoying feeling slightly more in control. The one problem I found was that I kept reving the accelerator when I go to brake - no problem if I have the clutch in, but I imagine it could cause problems if I don't (probably get dumped off bike?) . Need to focus on that and get out and practice some more - lookin forward to it.

[klingon]

My first ride on the road, so today I was practicing nearly every thing I was doing. Just a short ride around the block, nearly dropped the bike on one corner. But remember a post a while back that said it is best to stop at a corner with your front wheel facing forwards for better balance & to put both feet down and not just one. Went round block again,this time wheel straight ahead and both feet came down and no wobbles. :done:
By the 4th block my hands my hands were working much more smoothly on the clutch, brake and accellerator and I was enjoying feeling slightly more in control. The one problem I found was that I kept reving the accelerator when I go to brake - no problem if I have the clutch in, but I imagine it could cause problems if I don't (probably get dumped off bike?) . Need to focus on that and get out and practice some more - lookin forward to it.

Congrats LteeJay! My first road ride was only a few weeks ago, and I remember the excitement like it was yesterday! I feel like I have the whole KB crew on board every time I ride... these forums can be so valuable with all their advice. And it also explains why my bike lacks accelleration - get off there, you lot!

[vamr]

Practised articulating in a relatively coherent manner while annihilating all traces of sobriety.

[James Deuce]

You fellas from Mother Russia are born able to do that. Then you get a year of breast milk that is 30% alcohol.

Must try harder Vamr. Pick a challenge next time.

[Lteejay]

I feel like I have the whole KB crew on board every time I ride... these forums can be so valuable with all their advice. And it also explains why my bike lacks accelleration - get off there, you lot!

LOL - know what you mean. I have the next week off, so heaps of time to read and keep picking up the gems of advice :scooter:

[Terminated]

My first ride on the road, so today I was practicing nearly every thing I was doing. Just a short ride around the block, nearly dropped the bike on one corner. But remember a post a while back that said it is best to stop at a corner with your front wheel facing forwards for better balance & to put both feet down and not just one. Went round block again,this time wheel straight ahead and both feet came down and no wobbles. :done:
By the 4th block my hands my hands were working much more smoothly on the clutch, brake and accellerator and I was enjoying feeling slightly more in control. The one problem I found was that I kept reving the accelerator when I go to brake - no problem if I have the clutch in, but I imagine it could cause problems if I don't (probably get dumped off bike?) . Need to focus on that and get out and practice some more - lookin forward to it.

Congratulations for getting out there. Try and find a cul de sac or parking lot so you have no through traffic and practise your straight line slow speed, then move up a little in speed and practise coming to a stop and having geared down from 2nd to 1st, not engine braking, just smoothly coming to stop while tap tapping down, then both feet on the deck.

Take your time and avoid any streets/corners where you are required to do a right hand turn at this stage, at least minimize that for a while, and if you are confronted with right hand turns this early then choose your time of day to be out there, when the traffic is minimal.

Here is the my log
http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/showthread.php?t=30010

and at page 3 of the log is the following link
http://www.totalmotorcycle.com/school-SectionFive.htm

Though it from the USA the learning strategy is very good.

Seek out a Mentor to periodically look at your progress when you go together on a 'mentor review ride'.

Heads Up and Enjoy

[Lteejay]

Congratulations for getting out there. Try and find a cul de sac or parking lot so you have no through traffic and practise your straight line slow speed, then move up a little in speed and practise coming to a stop and having geared down from 2nd to 1st, not engine braking, just smoothly coming to stop while tap tapping down, then both feet on the deck.

Take your time and avoid any streets/corners where you are required to do a right hand turn at this stage, at least minimize that for a while, and if you are confronted with right hand turns this early then choose your time of day to be out there, when the traffic is minimal.

Here is the my log
http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/showthread.php?t=30010

and at page 3 of the log is the following link
http://www.totalmotorcycle.com/school-SectionFive.htm

Though it from the USA the learning strategy is very good.

Seek out a Mentor to periodically look at your progress when you go together on a 'mentor review ride'.

Heads Up and Enjoy

Thanks for the advice - just taken it slow. Having difficulty finding anywhere to practise around my place that doesn't involve busy roads as I am right in the city. Might start a post to see if anyone knows of anywhere.

[Chisanga]

The one problem I found was that I kept reving the accelerator when I go to brake - no problem if I have the clutch in, but I imagine it could cause problems if I don't (probably get dumped off bike?) .

I have this exact problem, but generally only when i'm emergency or hard braking... slowly getting better but still occassionally happens. The secret...practise, practise, practise... practise braking every time you go out and soon you will sort it out.